Which of the following should be included in a basic crisis communications plan?

• A. Designated spokesperson, clear messages, internal and external notification, media coordination, and post-incident review
• B. Ad hoc statements by any staff on social media only
• C. Only an immediate internal email to staff
• D. No formal plan is necessary

Answer: (A)

A basic crisis communications plan hinges on having a controlled, coordinated approach to speaking with both internal and external audiences. A designated spokesperson ensures information comes from a single, authorized source, preventing conflicting messages. Clear messages provide concise, accurate, and consistent information so stakeholders understand what happened, what’s being done, and what they should do. Internal and external notification ensures employees stay informed while customers, partners, regulators, and the public get timely updates. Media coordination helps manage press inquiries, press releases, and interviews to shape coverage rather than leaving it to chance. A post-incident review captures lessons learned, documents what worked or didn’t, and updates the plan for future incidents.

Why the other options don’t fit: ad hoc statements by any staff on social media lack authority and can spread misinformation; an internal email alone doesn’t reach external audiences or media; and having no formal plan leaves the organization unprepared, with slow, inconsistent, or chaotic responses.